All NC community college students could receive guaranteed admission to NC State University through new program

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — After announcing three community colleges joined a program guaranteeing admission to N.C. State University for some students, the school has announced the program is available at all community colleges in the state.

According to a press release from N.C. State University, “Wolf Pack Connect” is now available to students from all 58 community colleges in North Carolina.

“This is a game-changer for our students,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the NC Community College System. “Our colleges have always been the most affordable and accessible option for higher education in North Carolina. Now, with guaranteed admission to NC State, students across the state can start their journey close to home and know that a path to one of the nation’s top research universities is waiting for them.”

According to N.C. State, in order to join the program, students must have less than 30 transferable credits completed or in progress, be enrolled at or plan to enroll at one of the partnering North Carolina community colleges and plan to pursue one of NC State’s eligible majors.

“Students in the program who earn an associate’s degree from a participating community college, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher and meet NC State’s transfer admission deadlines can enroll in more than 100 eligible NC State majors and concentrations,” the news release states.

“This program represents exactly what our system strives for—removing barriers, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that higher education is within reach for all North Carolinians,” said Dr. Brian Merritt, the senior vice president and chief academic officer at the System. “With all 58 community colleges participating, this truly is a statewide pathway to success.” 

This massive expansion from only three colleges in September — Wake Technical Community College, Central Piedmont Community College and Forsyth Technical Community College — to all 58 colleges came in just three weeks, according to N.C. State.

“Within three weeks of the program’s announcement, every community college in the state committed to participating—creating a clear, unified pathway from all 58 community colleges to NC State,” the university said in the press release.

N.C. State said it will begin accepting eligibility forms in January of 2026 for those students who plan to enroll in fall classes.

Find out more about transferring by visiting the N.C. State website.